56-Year Travel Industry Veteran to Step Down at the End of the Year

New York, NY, March 4, 2020 — Protravel International announced today that after more than 50 years in the industry and nearly 20 years with the company, top executive Andy Pesky will be retiring at the end of the year. Pesky is the Senior Vice President of Leisure Sales & Marketing of Protravel International, one of the industry’s largest luxury travel agencies with approximately 1,000 advisors and employees at 24 locations in the United States and the United Kingdom.

As a member of Protravel’s senior leadership team, Pesky has his finger on the pulse of the latest travel trends. He was a pioneer in building the industry’s independent contractor model. He is also a savvy business person who recognizes the true meaning of service excellence, and he continues to be a strong advocate for the value travel advisors bring to the travel equation.

Before becoming a part of Protravel in 2000, Pesky held various leadership positions in the travel industry, gaining wide-ranging experience in travel management, hospitality and the luxury market. In 1995, he served as President of Leisure and Vendor Relations of McCord Travel Management overseeing approximately 125 independent contractors. Prior to his appointment at McCord Travel Management, he founded Zenith Travel in 1964. He helped to grow the company to prominence until it was sold to McCord Travel Management in 1995.

Because of his vast industry knowledge, Pesky’s presence on industry advisory boards was much sought after. He served on advisory boards for Abercrombie & Kent, The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons Hotels, Preferred Hotels and Tauck Tours.

For over 30 years, Andy has organized Protravel’s annual “Children’s Holiday Party” in collaboration with the Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital and the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, an event he founded together with his wife, Elaine Pesky. His accolades include the NYC Trade Show Lifetime Achievement Award and Sari Center Integrative Cancer Care Award in 2014, among many others.

“It is with mixed emotions and great love I share with you my intention to retire at the end of the year,” said Pesky. “The industry has been terrific for me and now I feel it is that time to relax and take it a bit easier. To a whole industry that I truly love, thank you for giving my family and me a blessed life.”

For more information about Protravel visit: https://www.protravelinc.com/

About Protravel International, LLC

Protravel International, LLC is a Travel Leaders Group company. Founded in 1984, Protravel International, LLC is a full-service, dynamic travel company with an award-winning reputation. Protravel is headquartered in New York City and supports 24 locations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, plus a network of hosted agents in all corners of the U.S. Today, approximately 900 people make up the Protravel organization. Our expertise in destination, international faring and competitive products – coupled with our superior network of contacts in the airline, hotel, cruise and hospitality industry – makes Protravel one of the most powerful selling forces in the travel industry. Protravel clients also have access to The Travel Collection by Travel Leaders Group, a selection of travel offers and discounts available at no additional cost to holders of select American Express® cards. For more information visit www.TheTravelCollection.com.